Joseph Randle

RB Oklahoma St.

Grade

4.63 SEC

35.0 INCH

123.0 INCH

Overview

The Cowboys had two first-round picks in quarterback Brandon Weeden (picked by the Cleveland Browns with the 22nd overall selection) and wide receiver Justin Blackmon (Jacksonville, No. 5 overall) last fall, but Randle was an equal part of the trio that won the inaugural Pony Express Award (created by the famed SMU running back duo of the 1980s, Eric Dickerson and Craig James) as the most productive teammates in college football. Randle doesn?t have the explosiveness in his game right now to be picked as early as his former teammates, but another big season leading the Cowboys offense using his growing strength and shifty hips ?- without Weeden and Blackmon taking most of the pressure ?- ensured scouts his production wasn?t simply a byproduct of the system and others? talent.

The presence of Kendall Hunter limited Randle?s carries in 2010, but the true freshman had at least one tote in all 13 games (82 total for 452 yards and two touchdowns) and caught 37 passes for 427 yards on the year. He stepped into Hunter?s shoes admirably as a sophomore, earning second-team All-Big 12 honors with 1,216 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns in spite of Oklahoma State?s passing preference; he did not have 20 or more carries in any game after the first month of the season. His 152 yards and four touchdowns helped OSU beat Robert Griffin III and Baylor and he covered 151 yards in the team?s beat-down of the rival Oklahoma Sooners. Despite the team's rotation at the quarterback position, Randle remained the constant figure in the Cowboys' offense in 2012. He rushed for 1,417 yards and 14 touchdowns on 274 carries. He added 224 receiving yards on 28 receptions.

Analysis

Strengths

Productive back in the running and passing game. Possesses enough straight-line speed to eat up yardage when open lanes present themselves. Shows once wiggle in his game once past the line, gets would-be tacklers to lean the wrong way. Seems to fall forward a lot, and is adding weight to his frame each season to get stronger. Attacks targets as a blocker for bubble screens and two-back sets, also flashes the form and willingness to be an effective pass protector. Solid receiver on screens and over the middle; good hands to rein in wayward passes and his shifty hips make him elusive after the catch. Solid ball security, did not fumble in 251 touches in 2011.

Weaknesses

Taller back who will run a bit upright at times coming through the line or in the open field. Receiver-like build makes pushing the pile a chore. One-speed back without an elite burst, second gear or great acceleration in the open field. Must learn to explode from cuts using improving strength in his lower half. Struggles to anchor against larger defenders in pass protection, and will duck his head and dive at them instead of staying upright.

NFL Comparison

Fred Jackson

Bottom Line

Part of Oklahoma State?s Pony Express Award-winning trio on offense in 2011 (1,216 rushing yards, 24 touchdowns), Randle brings power and a bit of wiggle to the field. In 2012 he added an explosive, more powerful element to his game, something that had been missed in previous seasons. He could challenge for the top running back spot.